Beloved CBS News Anchor Charles Osgood Passes Away at 91

Veteran CBS newsman Charles Osgood, a beloved figure in broadcast journalism, died at the age of 91. Osgood had a remarkable career spanning over five decades, during which he became an integral part of CBS News, serving as an anchor and reporter on various broadcasts, including the ‘CBS Morning News,’ ‘CBS Evening News with Dan Rather,’ and ‘CBS Sunday Night News.’ However, he is best known and beloved for hosting the award-winning ‘Sunday Morning‘ for an impressive 22 years.

Charles Osgood was born and raised in New York and graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. degree in economics in 1954. He began his career at ABC News before venturing into management as the general manager of WHCT-TV in Hartford, Conn. Osgood also worked as a program director and classical music announcer at WGMS Radio in Washington, D.C. His diverse experiences in the field shaped him into the respected journalist he became.

Osgood’s talent as a writer and his ability to connect with audiences earned him numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Walter Cronkite Excellence in Journalism Award from Arizona State University and the George Foster Peabody Award, among others. The National Association of Broadcasters also recognized his outstanding contribution to the field with the Distinguished Service Award. His predecessor at ‘Sunday Morning,’ Charles Kuralt, once hailed him as ‘one of the last great broadcast writers.’

Upon joining CBS News in 1971, Charles Osgood became a familiar voice and face on the network, hosting and reporting for various broadcasts. He was also part of WCBS News Radio 880 in New York before transitioning to CBS. Moreover, Osgood’s skills extended beyond television, as he also hosted the long-running radio program ‘The Osgood File.’

Besides his illustrious career in journalism, Charles Osgood was also an accomplished author/editor, having written and edited several books throughout his lifetime. Some of his notable works include ‘Nothing Could Be Finer Than a Crisis That Is Minor in the Morning,’ ‘Osgood on Speaking: How to Think on Your Feet Without Falling on Your Face,’ and ‘Funny Letters From Famous People.’

In 1994, Osgood succeeded Charles Kuralt as the host of the beloved show ‘Sunday Morning.’ His warm and engaging demeanor, coupled with his signature bow ties, made him a familiar and trusted presence in households across the nation every Sunday.

Despite his busy schedule, Charles Osgood found time to pursue his passion for music. He performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and showcased his talents on the piano and banjo with esteemed orchestras such as the New York Pops and Boston Pops. He even had the honor of playing at the White House.

Charles Osgood retired from ‘Sunday Morning’ in 2016, bidding farewell to his devoted audience with his iconic phrase from his daily ‘Osgood File’ broadcasts: ‘I’ll see you on the radio.’ His legacy as a beloved news anchor and writer will be remembered for years to come.